Prebilič pushes, as part of an upcoming European Parliament report, for the European Union to impose targeted human rights sanctions against Turkish Justice Minister Akın Gürlek.
EGP co-chair Vula Tsetsi said: “Slovenia MEP Vladimir Prebilič, as shadow rapporteur, rightly criticises the Erdogan regime that continues to harden its repression. During a European Green Party mission to Turkey, end of May, I witnessed the mass trial of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and more than 400 other defendants charged for their peaceful political expression. Then came the police raid on the headquarters of Turkey's biggest opposition party CHP, and now the targeting of MEP Prebilič who sits in the Greens/EFA group in the European parliament. This is the latest example that confirms that Erdoğan is pushing the country further toward autocracy. We stand by the people of Turkey and call for an immediate, clear and firm reaction from the European Parliament, Commission and Council. Turkey remains a candidate country to the European Union and is a member of the Council of Europe. Respect for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law are therefore binding obligations. The EU cannot remain silent while democratic standards are deteriorating before our eyes in a candidate country.’
